Understanding the Importance of Diabetes Checkups
Home monitoring tells you about today. Checkups tell you about the long term. Diabetes can affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and feet gradually and without symptoms, and regular examinations are how problems are found while they are still easy to treat.
Key points
- Checkups look for early signs of complications that home testing cannot detect.
- Most people need an A1C test at least twice a year and yearly eye, kidney, cholesterol and foot checks.
- Keep a personal schedule and bring your glucose records to each visit.
Why checkups matter
High blood glucose over many years can damage small and large blood vessels and nerves. Early changes in the eyes, kidneys or feet usually cause no symptoms. Regular tests can detect them years before you would notice anything, when treatment is most effective. Checkups also give your team the chance to review your medicines, targets and technique.
A diabetes care schedule
The CDC sets out a schedule that many adults with diabetes can use as a starting point. Your own doctor may adjust it.
Every day
- Check blood glucose as your team has advised.
- Check your feet for cuts, sores, redness, swelling or changes to the skin or nails.
- Take your medicines as prescribed.
- Be physically active and eat healthy foods.
Every three months
- A1C test, if your treatment has changed or you are having trouble meeting your goals.
- Doctor visit, if you are having trouble meeting your goals. Blood pressure and weight are checked and your feet examined.
Every six months
- Dental exam and cleaning. Tell your dentist you have diabetes.
- A1C test, if you are meeting your treatment goals.
- Doctor visit, if you are meeting your goals.
Every year
- Dilated eye exam to check for diabetic eye disease.
- Kidney tests: a urine test and a blood test.
- Cholesterol test.
- Complete foot check, including sensation and circulation.
- Flu shot.
- Hearing check.
Other vaccinations, such as those for pneumonia and hepatitis B, are recommended on a schedule your doctor will advise.
What each check looks for
- A1C: your average glucose over two to three months.
- Blood pressure: high blood pressure adds to the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
- Cholesterol: affects the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Kidney tests: protein in the urine and a blood test estimate how well the kidneys are filtering.
- Eye exam: looks for damage to the blood vessels of the retina.
- Foot exam: tests for nerve damage and reduced blood flow, which can lead to ulcers.
- Dental exam: diabetes raises the risk of gum disease.
Preparing for an appointment
- Bring your meter or your glucose log. A written record, or the stored readings in a meter such as the one in our Blood Glucose Monitoring Kit, helps your team see patterns.
- Bring a list of all your medicines and supplements.
- Write down questions in advance.
- Note any episodes of low blood sugar.
- Mention any new symptoms: numbness, vision changes, wounds that are slow to heal, chest pain or mood changes.
- Wear shoes and socks that are easy to remove.
Between appointments
Do not wait for a scheduled visit if you notice:
- a foot sore, blister or cut that is not healing;
- sudden changes in vision;
- frequent low or very high readings;
- signs of infection;
- persistent pain, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
Contact your healthcare team promptly.
Education and support
Ask about diabetes self-management education and support services. These programs teach practical skills, such as meal planning, monitoring and problem solving, and are recommended at diagnosis and whenever your needs change.
Keeping track
Use a calendar, phone reminders or a simple checklist to record when each test was last done and when the next one is due. Keep copies of results so you can see changes over time.
The bottom line
Checkups are how complications are prevented, not just detected. Know your schedule, turn up prepared and raise concerns early. Find monitoring supplies for the days in between in our diabetes care department.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your Diabetes Care Schedule.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Managing Diabetes.
- NHS. Type 2 diabetes.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A1C Test for Diabetes and Prediabetes.
More diabetes care guides
Understanding Blood Sugar Measurements
What do blood sugar numbers mean? Learn the units, typical target ranges, how fasting and after-meal readings differ and what counts as low or…
How to Choose a Blood Glucose Monitor
Meter or continuous monitor? Learn how your treatment, testing frequency, budget and comfort with technology shape the right choice for you.
How to Store Diabetes Testing Supplies
Heat, cold and humidity can damage test strips and meters. Learn the right storage conditions for strips, meters, lancets and control solution.